Christmas: This used to be a lot easier...

Well, another Christmas has come and gone. To be honest, I'm feeling a bit... deflated. I don't want to sound like a "bah humbug", because Christmas really is my favorite holiday. It's just that, for the last several years, it has felt different. I think part of my problem is that I keep expecting Christmas to be what I remember it being as a child. I still get that excited feeling as the holiday season starts, but that excited feeling is because I'm waiting for an experience that I really can't get anymore. You know, the way it used to be when I was a kid. My mother always made the Christmas season so amazing. But, it's true what they say, you can't go home again. I think I keep getting let down by the holiday because I hold it up to those memories. I mean, let's face it; if you aren't a kid or you don't have kids, Christmas just isn't what it was. And maybe that's what's wrong. I keep wanting it to be what it was, when everything else about my life has changed. I need to find a way to stop being disappointed by what Christmas isn't and start enjoying Christmas for what it is to me now. I need to find out a way for Christmas to take on a new meaning for me; with new traditions, and new memories. I know Christmas is about giving and being around family. It's not like I don't appreciate those things. I love getting to see my family, and I love giving gifts. It's the feeling that seems missing. I just need to accept that I'm not going to come home one day and see my mom making cookies while listening to Christmas music. I need to be the one making cookies while listening to Christmas music. Because I really do love the holidays. I just need to stop trying to relive the past and start enjoying the now. That may be a very good resolution for the New Year. Enjoying what I've got now, instead of waiting until it's gone to miss it, too.

Relief: removal or lightening of something oppressive, painful, or distressing

I got my final grades and, thank heaven, I passed all my classes. Two A-s and a C+. So, ya, I'm pretty happy with it all. Also, I played around with some green eye shadow today. I'm really starting to dig the colored eye shadow thing.

Now for some coffee...

I was totally inspired today when I found this blog. I only looked over it for a few minutes, so I'm not sure what this girl does for a living. But she does some of the most amazing makeup. She's very adventurous with her eye makeup in particular, and it made me want to be adventurous, too. And what an easy thing to do, even with as little expendable income as I have. Though not near as daring as anything she's done (seriously, check it out, it's amazing) I tried something a little new today. Purple is the only interesting color I have right now, so I tried that with some liquid eyeliner that I've been afraid to play with. Nothing too crazy, but fun nonetheless. I liked it and I think I'll keep playing around in the future. Now I just need to hit the drugstore! Or ELF!!

What's worse than finals?

Having to wait for the final grades! I've already check three times, even though I know that they won't be posted until next week, at the earliest! Ugh! I guess it wouldn't be so bad if I knew that I had passed all my classes, but there's one class I'm nervous about. I have to get a C+ in all my classes to be admitted into the journalism program, and I'm cutting it really close with one of my classes. And if I have to take that class again, I swear I'm gonna freak out! So now I have to figure out a way to distract myself for the next three to five days. And it's supposed to start dumping snow on us for the next week, so I will be completely stuck in Brigham. ~sigh~

Well, that's it....

I'm officially done with this semester. My last final was just a couple hours ago. I'd like to say I'm excited, but I really can't be until I get my grades back cause I'm not sure I got the grade I needed out of one of my classes. Anyway, fingers crosses everyone.

"Hair style is the final tip-off whether or not a woman really knows herself" Hubert de Givenchy

I was having a little fun on instyle.com yesterday. You can upload a picture of yourself and try on different stars' hairstyles. And it's completely free. Hours of fun. So, here's a few looks I was playing around with. What do you think?

Did I mention HOURS OF FUN!

(p.s. sorry about the smile, I hate my smile.)

Interesting Little Tidbit

Did you know Utah is ranked fifth healthiest state in the nation? Yup, according to an article on MSN, Utah is pretty healthy. Honestly, it's probably because fewer people drink and smoke in this state. Just my guess. But I thought it was pretty cool.

Mama's got a brand new bag

Big Bags by r_hansen84

Since I started taking classes at the University's main campus this semester, I begrudgingly bought a backpack. I put it off until a week before school started, because I just hate backpacks! I felt like a dorky freshman allover again (no offense, freshmen), walking around campus with that awful thing on my shoulders. And on top of that, it's very hard to dress in anything but jeans and sweaters when you're wearing a backpack. They just don't lend themselves to trendier outfits. I thought I was doomed. Turns out, I was just a little slow to catch up. A big trend this year has been these large handbags. I just bought the gray one from Wetseal and now I feel like all my troubles are over. I just love it. It's low key enough to wear with a sweater and jeans, but if I feel like dressing up a bit, it goes well with that, too. I made sure and bought gray because that way I can wear it with any color. Gray is the new black of fall/winter I think. The only downfall is that my semester just ended, so I'll have to wait four weeks to truly try this baby out. But I am still so pleased with this bag. It's rare to find something that fit an idea so perfectly.

Pity: a sympathetic sorrow for one suffering, distressed, or unhappy

That's what I'd like you all to feel for me. I managed to get sick right in time for finals week. ~groan~ Also, to answer Jenifer's question about ELF products, they are actually teamed up with PETA for special projects and are a cruelty-free cosmetic company. Here's the article I found.

"The average girl would rather have beauty than brains because she knows the average man can see much better than he can think" Unknown

E.L.F. by r_hansen84

I found this website a while ago and got very excited about it. I was a little nervous when I first ordered some makeup from them because I was afraid the price reflected the quality. I was very pleased when the makeup turned out to be good quality. I haven't had a problem with anything from e.l.f. yet. So I thought I'd share the site and a few things I plan to get in the near future. Enjoy.

Four Calling Birds

Actually, I have five. I was at Michael's craft store a few days ago and found these adorable little bird ornaments.

I don't know why I fell in love with them, but I immediately did. They are just so whimsical. A bit retro, but modern; metallic but still elegant. I had to have them. I bought five and immediately when home to set up my Christmas tree. I even think I'll go back for more.

Mine eyes have seen the glory

I just filled up my tank for $16!!! Can you believe that?! Sixteen bucks and some change! I felt a little like an idiot as I'm standing there pumping gas with this stupid grin on my face. But I was just so elated.
Maybe I won't have to get a job to afford clothes. With my gas budget cut in half, I think I need to go shopping...

"Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or kick-ass red lipstick." Gwyneth Paltrow

I've always been fascinated by red lips. I love the way it looks. So glamorous and timeless. But I've been to afraid to try it until now. I found a shade that I think works for my skin tone. Now I feel like I'm wearing way too much make-up. And all I have on is the lipstick and mascara. So, I ask you. Can I pull off red lipstick?

It's beginning to look a lot like.... Autumn?

Happy December everyone! I can hardly believe that November is over. It seemed really fast this year. It really doesn't feel like December in Utah at all. The temperature is in the 50s and there's hardly any snow on the mountains, let alone on the ground where I am. It's pretty crazy. I was looking through my closet last night and realized, I have almost no winter clothes! How did that happen? Someone must be stealing my clothes!!!

Oh, wait! I remember. I thought I was being smart when I cleaned out my closet last spring. You know, instead of keeping all the "clutter." Ya, big mistake. I vow never to throw away clothes that haven't fallen apart again. Now I need to replenish my wardrobe; which will be no easy task considering I have no job and therefore no money. And there's just so much cute stuff I want. ~sigh~

(Gloves, Black trench, Beret & Leg warmers from Modcloth.com; Sweater vest from Charlotte Russe; Blazer from Banana Republic; Ruffle top from Gap.)

I think I need to find a job!